Comparison of Physical Activity and Fiber and Sugar Intake in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Healthy Individuals

Introduction: Nutrition is a modifiable risk factor, which plays a key role in the prevention or delayed onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study aimed to assess and compare the physical activity and dietary intake of fiber and sugar between patients with NAFLD and healthy individuals. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 225 patients with NFLD and 450 healthy controls. The physical activity and dietary intakes of the subjects were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Food Frequency questionnaire, respectively. In addition, the anthropometric indices of the subjects were determined, including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 21.0. Results: The level of physical activity in the patients with NAFLD was lower compared to the controls (P 0.05). Regarding insoluble dietary fiber, the consumption was significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group (P 0.05). Moreover, the levels of fructose, galactose, total sugar, and glucose significantly increased in the case group (P 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, adherence to unhealthy diets with the high consumption of simple carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, fructose, and galactose) may be associated with the incidence of NAFLD. On the other hand, consumption of dietary fiber and insoluble fiber may exert protective effects against NAFLD.